Venezuela: Afro-Descendents Forum Underway

Caracas, Jun 20. -Representatives from numerous countries are attending the 4th International Meeting of African Descendents, focused on the role of that ethnic sector in different regional social movements.

On Monday, the first presentations include a lecture on revolutionary changes in the region and a paper related to globalization and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Other discussions will take up the International Year of People of African Descent, the Bicentenary of Independence on the continent, and the creation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, which is set to be officially founded on July 5 and excludes the United States and Canada.

The forum opening took place at the Alba Caracas Hotel, and was attended by the president and vice president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Fernando Soto and Aristobulo Isturiz, respectively, among others.

Venezuela´s contributions to the debate include a draft law against racial discrimination, to be debated in a second and final round in parliament in early July.

The meeting will conclude with the Caracas Declaration, which will reflect any proposals that emerge from the debates. (Prensa Latina)